BANDIT

"Bandit" by Don Toliver is a song that explores themes of a hedonistic and rebellious lifestyle, materialism, and the complexities that come with success. Toliver presents a persona who is boastful about his life of money, drugs, and women, comparing himself to a 'psycho bandit'. The song delves into a narrative of living life on the edge, characterized by a 'highway lifestyle' and a defiant attitude. The phrase "I did it for love" is a recurring statement that suggests a deeper, perhaps conflicting, motivation behind the chaotic and lavish lifestyle, hinting at a search for fulfillment or connection amidst the excess. The lyrics juxtapose a sense of invincibility and power with an underlying awareness of the potential emptiness of such a life. Ultimately, the song is a portrayal of a modern outlaw figure who embraces a dangerous and indulgent existence while navigating the personal costs of fame and fortune.

The song portrays a persona living a fast-paced, lawless life, comparing themselves to a 'psycho bandit'. The narrative opens with a declaration of doing everything for 'love,' immediately juxtaposed with imagery of a wild, transient existence, 'riding the highway' and 'rocking the bus'. This sets a tone of reckless abandon driven by a deeper, albeit ambiguous, emotional motivation. The central figure is unapologetically boastful about their lifestyle, which involves a constant pursuit of money, indulgence in substances like 'lean' (referenced by mixing Sprite with 'Wock'), and casual encounters. The chorus is a powerful assertion of this persona's impact and untamed nature, likening their disruptive presence to the shock rocker Marilyn Manson. This comparison emphasizes a desire to be controversial, misunderstood, and to live by one's own rules, regardless of societal judgment.

Throughout the track, there's a strong sense of dominance and defiance. The artist boasts about their wealth, which is accumulated relentlessly, 'Monday through Sunday,' and their connections to the 'trap' scene. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where power dynamics are clear, and the protagonist is firmly at the top. They dismiss envy from others ('White-land nigga wanna be me, huh') and assert their readiness to defend their position through intimidation and violence. This is vividly illustrated with threats like putting someone 'underwater like seaweed,' which adds a menacing layer to the braggadocio. The narrative isn't just about material success; it's about a psychological state of being untouchable and formidable. The song concludes with this threatening tone, leaving a lasting impression of danger and an unwillingness to be challenged or imitated, solidifying the 'bandit' identity.

"BANDIT" was released on February 1, 2024, as the lead single from Don Toliver's fourth studio album, Hardstone Psycho. The song was written by Toliver, Sean "ReidMD" Reid, and Kevin Parker of Tame Impala. ReidMD also produced the track. The creation of the beat was initially intended for artist Destroy Lonely. The producer, ReidMD, was creating packs of beats for him daily, and "BandIT" was one of them. The producer found out that Don Toliver was using his beat through a TikTok video of an unreleased song being performed by Toliver in Berlin.

The song prominently features a sample of Tame Impala's 2020 song "One More Hour", which provides a psychedelic rock texture to the trap beat. Toliver had been performing the song during the European leg of his Love Sick Tour and other performances before its official release. The music video, directed by Cole Bennett, was released on the same day as the song. It features Toliver leading a biker gang in the desert and includes a cameo from his real-life girlfriend, singer Kali Uchis, revealing her pregnancy at the time. Two of the motorcycles featured in the video are from Toliver's personal collection.

The central metaphor of the song is the 'psycho bandit,' which represents a lawless, rebellious, and untamed persona that Don Toliver embodies. This figure operates outside of societal norms, driven by a hedonistic pursuit of money and pleasure. The comparison to 'Marilyn Manson' is a significant piece of symbolism, evoking imagery of shock rock, controversy, and a deliberate rejection of mainstream values. The 'highway' and 'bus' symbolize a transient and constantly moving lifestyle, one that is both free and perhaps unstable. The act of 'hiding in the shadows' in the outro suggests a predatory nature, reinforcing the dangerous and threatening aspects of the bandit persona. The mention of putting someone 'underwater like seaweed' is a vivid and menacing metaphor for eliminating a threat. Some interpretations even suggest the entire song could be an elaborate marketing tool for the video game series 'Borderlands,' with 'Bandit' and 'Psycho' being prominent enemy types in the games.

The predominant emotional tone of "BANDIT" is a mixture of aggression, confidence, and rebellion. This is established through the hard-hitting trap beat, Toliver's boastful and assertive vocal delivery, and the confrontational lyrics. There's a clear sense of swagger and dominance as he boasts about his wealth, lifestyle, and power. However, the recurring line "I did it for love" introduces a layer of emotional complexity, hinting at a possible vulnerability or a deeper, perhaps even painful, motivation behind the tough exterior. This creates a subtle emotional shift, suggesting that the hedonism and aggression might be a coping mechanism or a consequence of this pursuit of love. The psychedelic sample from Tame Impala adds a hazy, almost dreamlike quality that contrasts with the gritty realism of the lyrics, further contributing to the song's complex emotional landscape.

"BANDIT" served as the lead single for Don Toliver's fourth studio album, Hardstone Psycho, and played a significant role in building anticipation for the project. The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and charting in several other countries. Its music video, directed by the renowned Cole Bennett, garnered significant attention, partly due to the reveal of Toliver's and Kali Uchis's pregnancy. The song's use of a Tame Impala sample was also a notable point of discussion, highlighting the cross-genre pollination in contemporary hip-hop. "BANDIT" has been a staple in Don Toliver's live performances, often eliciting a strong, energetic response from audiences. The song was also featured in the popular video game Fortnite Festival. At the APRA Music Awards of 2025, the song was nominated for Most Performed Hip Hop / Rap Work.

The rhyme scheme in "BANDIT" is not strictly rigid, leaning more towards a free-verse structure within its verses, which is common in contemporary trap music. However, there is a consistent use of end rhymes to maintain a sense of flow and catchiness. For example, in the chorus, 'stand it', 'bandit', and 'Manson' create a rhyming pattern, as do 'advance it', 'enhance it', and 'pantry'. The rhythm is driven by a heavy trap beat with prominent 808s and hi-hats, creating a high-energy and aggressive feel. The tempo is upbeat, encouraging movement and contributing to the song's 'banger' quality. Toliver's lyrical delivery often plays with the rhythm, sometimes following the beat closely and at other times adopting a more 'lazy flow' that contrasts with the energetic instrumental. This interplay between his vocal rhythm and the underlying musical rhythm adds a dynamic quality to the track.

"Bandit" employs a blend of musical and literary techniques to create its aggressive and psychedelic atmosphere. Musically, the most prominent feature is the sampling of Tame Impala's "One More Hour," which infuses the track with a psychedelic rock feel that contrasts with the heavy trap drums and bass. This creates a 'hazy, expansive rap beat'. Toliver's vocal delivery is dynamic, shifting from melodic flows to more aggressive and boastful rap verses, showcasing his versatility. He utilizes ad-libs extensively, such as "bust it," to punctuate the rhythm and add to the song's high energy. Lyrically, Toliver employs vivid and often dark imagery to build his 'psycho bandit' persona, with lines like 'put him underwater like seaweed'. The comparison to Marilyn Manson is a powerful simile that quickly establishes a rebellious and controversial tone. The narrative is delivered from a first-person perspective, creating an intimate and direct address to the listener.

What is the meaning behind Don Toliver's song 'BANDIT'?

The song 'BANDIT' by Don Toliver explores themes of a rebellious and hedonistic lifestyle, filled with money, drugs, and women. Toliver portrays a 'psycho bandit' persona, suggesting a life lived on the edge, with the recurring phrase 'I did it for love' hinting at a deeper motivation behind the excess.

What song is sampled in Don Toliver's 'BANDIT'?

Don Toliver's 'BANDIT' samples the song 'One More Hour' by the Australian psychedelic rock band Tame Impala. The sample provides a distinctive melodic and atmospheric contrast to the track's heavy trap beat.

Who produced the song 'BANDIT' by Don Toliver?

The song 'BANDIT' was produced by American record producer Sean 'ReidMD' Reid. He has also worked with artists like Destroy Lonely and Comethazine.

When was 'BANDIT' by Don Toliver released?

'BANDIT' was released on February 1, 2024. It was the lead single from his fourth studio album, <i>Hardstone Psycho</i>.

What is the significance of the Marilyn Manson reference in 'BANDIT'?

The reference to Marilyn Manson in 'BANDIT' ('psycho bandit, like it's Marilyn Manson') is used to emphasize Don Toliver's rebellious, controversial, and non-conformist persona in the song, aligning himself with the shock rocker's infamous public image.

Who is the woman in the 'BANDIT' music video?

The woman featured at the end of the 'BANDIT' music video is Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis, who is Don Toliver's real-life partner. The video served as a public announcement of her pregnancy with their first child.

What are the main musical genres of 'BANDIT' by Don Toliver?

The main musical genres of 'BANDIT' are hip-hop, trap, and rap rock. The song combines the heavy bass and drums of trap with a rock-inspired guitar sample.